MTD Gold 31AS2T5E504 Operator's Manual
Safe Operation Practices • Set-Up • Operation • Maintenance • Service • Troubleshooting • Warranty
OPERATOR’S MANUAL
Single-Stage Snow Thrower
WARNING
READ AND FOLLOW ALL SAFETY RULES AND INSTRUCTIONS IN THIS MANUAL
BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO OPERATE THIS MACHINE.
FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS MAY RESULT IN PERSONAL INJURY.
P. O. Box 1386, 97 KENT AVENUE, KITCHENER, ON N2G 4J1
Printed In USA
769-100 40
07.0 8.14
To The Owner
Thank You
Thank you for purchasing your new equipment. It was carefully
engineered to provide excellent performance when properly
operated and maintained.
Please read this entire manual prior to operating the equipment.
It instructs you how to safely and easily set up, operate and
maintain your machine. Please be sure that you, and any other
persons who will operate the machine, carefully follow the
recommended safety practices at all times. Failure to do so could
result in personal injury or property damage.
All information in this manual is relative to the most recent
product information available at the time of printing. Review
this manual frequently to familiarize yourself with the machine,
its features and operation. Please be aware that this Operator’s
Manual may cover a range of product specifications for
various models. Characteristics and features discussed and/or
illustrated in this manual may not be applicable to all models.
Table of Contents
1
The manufacturer reserves the right to change product
specifications, designs and equipment without notice and
without incurring obligation.
If you have any problems or questions concerning the machine,
phone your local service dealer or contact us directly. Customer
Support telephone numbers, website address and mailing
address can be found on this page. We want to ensure your
complete satisfaction at all times.
Throughout this manual, all references to right and left side of the
machine are observed from the operating position.
The engine manufacturer is responsible for all engine-related
issues with regards to performance, power-rating, specifications,
warranty and service. Please refer to the engine manufacturer’s
Owner’s/Operator’s Manual, packed separately with your
machine, for more information.
Safe Operation Practices ........................................ 3
Assembly & Set-Up .................................................. 7
Controls .................................................................... 9
Operation ................................................................10
Maintenance & Adjustment .................................11
Record Product Information
Before setting up and operating your new equipment, please
locate the model plate on the equipment and record the
information in the provided area to the right. You can locate the
model plate by standing at the operator’s position and looking
down at the rear of the frame. This information will be necessary,
should you seek technical support via our web site, Customer
Support Department, or with a local authorized service dealer.
Customer Support
Please do
NOT
return the unit to the retailer from which it was purchased, without first contacting Customer Support.
Service .....................................................................13
Troubleshooting .....................................................15
Replacement Parts .................................................16
Warranty ................................................................. 17
Model NuMber
Serial NuMber
If you have difficulty assembling this product or have any questions regarding the controls, operation, or maintenance of
this machine, you can seek help from the experts. Choose from the options below:
◊ Visit our web at www.mtdcanada.ca
◊ Locate your nearest dealer from Customer Support: 1-800-668-1238
◊ Contact MTD CANADA • P.O. Box 1386 • 97 Kent Avenue • Kitchener, Ontario, Canada • N2G 4J1
2
Important Safe Operation Practices
WARNING! This symbol points out important safety instructions which, if not followed,
could endanger the personal safety and/or property of yourself and others. Read and follow
all instructions in this manual before attempting to operate this machine. Failure to comply
with these instructions may result in personal injury.
When you see this symbol. HEED ITS WARNING!
CALIFORNIA PROPOSITION 65
WARNING! Engine Exhaust, some of its constituents, and certain vehicle components
contain or emit chemicals known to State of California to cause cancer and birth defects
or other reproductive harm.
DANGER: This machine was built to be operated according to the safe operation practices in
this manual. As with any type of power equipment, carelessness or error on the part of the
operator can result in serious injury. This machine is capable of amputating fingers, hands,
toes and feet and throwing foreign objects. Failure to observe the following safety
instructions could result in serious injury or death.
2
Training
1. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the
machine and in the manual(s) before attempting to
assemble and operate. Keep this manual in a safe place for
future and regular reference and for ordering replacement
parts.
2. Be familiar with all controls and their proper operation.
Know how to stop the machine and disengage them
quickly.
3. Never allow children under 14 years of age to operate this
machine. Children 14 and over should read and understand
the instructions and safe operation practices in this manual
and on the machine and be trained and supervised by an
adult.
4. Never allow adults to operate this machine without proper
instruction.
5. Thrown objects can cause serious personal injury. Plan
your snow-throwing pattern to avoid discharge of material
toward roads, bystanders and the like.
6. Keep bystanders, pets and children at least 75 feet from the
machine while it is in operation. Stop machine if anyone
enters the area.
7. Exercise caution to avoid slipping or falling, especially
when operating in reverse.
Preparation
Thoroughly inspect the area where the equipment is to be used.
Remove all doormats, newspapers, sleds, boards, wires and other
foreign objects, which could be tripped over or thrown by the
auger/impeller.
1. Always wear safety glasses or eye shields during operation
and while performing an adjustment or repair to protect
your eyes. Thrown objects which ricochet can cause serious
injury to the eyes.
2. Do not operate without wearing adequate winter outer
garments. Do not wear jewelry, long scarves or other loose
clothing, which could become entangled in moving parts.
Wear footwear which will improve footing on slippery
surfaces.
3. Use a grounded three-wire extension cord and receptacle
for all machines with electric start engines.
4. Disengage all control levers before starting the engine.
5. Never attempt to make any adjustments while engine is
running, except where specifically recommended in the
operator’s manual.
6. Let engine and machine adjust to outdoor temperature
before starting to clear snow.
3
Safe Handling of Gasoline
To avoid personal injury or property damage use extreme care
in handling gasoline. Gasoline is extremely flammable and the
vapors are explosive. Serious personal injury can occur when
gasoline is spilled on yourself or your clothes which can ignite.
Wash your skin and change clothes immediately.
a. Use only an approved gasoline container.
b. Extinguish all cigarettes, cigars, pipes and other
sources of ignition.
c. Never fuel machine indoors.
d. Never remove gas cap or add fuel while the engine is
hot or running.
e. Allow engine to cool at least two minutes before
refueling.
f. Never over fill fuel tank. Fill tank to no more than ½
inch below bottom of filler neck to provide space for
fuel expansion.
g. Replace gasoline cap and tighten securely.
h. If gasoline is spilled, wipe it off the engine and
equipment. Move machine to another area. Wait 5
minutes before starting the engine.
i. Never store the machine or fuel container inside
where there is an open flame, spark or pilot light
(e.g. furnace, water heater, space heater, clothes
dryer etc.).
j. Allow machine to cool at least 5 minutes before
storing.
k. Never fill containers inside a vehicle or on a truck
or trailer bed with a plastic liner. Always place
containers on the ground away from your vehicle
before filling.
l. If possible, remove gas-powered equipment from
the truck or trailer and refuel it on the ground. If this
is not possible, then refuel such equipment on a
trailer with a portable container, rather than from a
gasoline dispenser nozzle.
m. Keep the nozzle in contact with the rim of the fuel
tank or container opening at all times until fueling is
complete. Do not use a nozzle lock-open device.
Operation
1. Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts, in the auger/
impeller housing or chute assembly. Contact with the
rotating parts can amputate hands and feet.
2. The auger/impeller control lever is a safety device. Never
bypass its operation. Doing so makes the machine unsafe
and may cause personal injury.
3. The control levers must operate easily in both directions
and automatically return to the disengaged position when
released.
4. Never operate with a missing or damaged chute assembly.
Keep all safety devices in place and working.
5. Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area.
Engine exhaust contains carbon monoxide, an odorless
and deadly gas.
6. Do not operate machine while under the influence of
alcohol or drugs.
7. Muffler and engine become hot and can cause a burn. Do
not touch. Keep children away.
8. Exercise extreme caution when operating on or crossing
gravel surfaces. Stay alert for hidden hazards or traffic.
9. Exercise caution when changing direction and while
operating on slopes.
10. Plan your snow-throwing pattern to avoid discharge
towards windows, walls, cars etc. Thus, avoiding possible
property damage or personal injury caused by a ricochet.
11. Never direct discharge at children, bystanders and pets or
allow anyone in front of the machine.
12. Do not overload machine capacity by attempting to clear
snow at too fast of a rate.
13. Never operate this machine without good visibility or light.
Always be sure of your footing and keep a firm hold on the
handles. Walk, never run.
14. Disengage power to the auger/impeller when transporting
or not in use.
15. Never operate machine at high transport speeds on
slippery surfaces. Look down and behind and use care
when backing up.
16. If the machine should start to vibrate abnormally, stop
the engine, disconnect the spark plug wire and ground it
against the engine. Inspect thoroughly for damage. Repair
any damage before starting and operating.
17. Disengage all control levers and stop engine before you
leave the operating position (behind the handles). Wait
until the auger/impeller comes to a complete stop before
unclogging the chute assembly, making any adjustments,
or inspections.
18. Never put your hand in the discharge or collector openings.
Do not unclog chute assembly while engine is running.
Shut off engine and remain behind handles until all moving
parts have stopped before unclogging.
19. Use only attachments and accessories approved by the
manufacturer (e.g. wheel weights, tire chains, cabs etc.).
20. When starting engine, pull cord slowly until resistance
is felt, then pull rapidly. Rapid retraction of starter cord
(kickback) will pull hand and arm toward engine faster than
you can let go. Broken bones, fractures, bruises or sprains
could result.
21. If situations occur which are not covered in this manual, use
care and good judgment. Contact Customer Support for
assistance and the name of your nearest servicing dealer.
4 Section 2 — impo rtant Safe operation practiceS
Clearing a Clogged Discharge Chute
Hand contact with the rotating impeller inside the discharge
chute is the most common cause of injury associated with snow
throwers. Never use your hand to clean out the discharge chute.
To clear the chute:
1. SHUT THE ENGINE OFF!
2. Wait 10 seconds to be sure the impeller blades have
stopped rotating.
3. Always use a clean-out tool, not your hands.
Maintenance & Storage
1. Never tamper with safety devices. Check their proper
operation regularly. Refer to the maintenance and
adjustment sections of this manual.
2. Before cleaning, repairing, or inspecting machine
disengage all control levers and stop the engine. Wait until
the auger/impeller come to a complete stop. Disconnect
the spark plug wire and ground against the engine to
prevent unintended starting.
3. Check bolts and screws for proper tightness at frequent
intervals to keep the machine in safe working condition.
Also, visually inspect machine for any damage.
4. Do not change the engine governor setting or over-speed
the engine. The governor controls the maximum safe
operating speed of the engine.
5. Snow thrower shave plates and skid shoes are subject to
wear and damage. For your safety protection, frequently
check all components and replace with original equipment
manufacturer’s (OEM) parts only. “Use of parts which do
not meet the original equipment specifications may lead to
improper performance and compromise safety!”
6. Check control levers periodically to verify they engage
and disengage properly and adjust, if necessary. Refer
to the adjustment section in this operator’s manual for
instructions.
7. Maintain or replace safety and instruction labels, as
necessary.
8. Observe proper disposal laws and regulations for gas, oil,
etc. to protect the environment.
9. Prior to storing, run machine a few minutes to clear snow
from machine and prevent freeze up of auger/impeller.
10. Never store the machine or fuel container inside where
there is an open flame, spark or pilot light such as a water
heater, furnace, clothes dryer etc.
11. Always refer to the operator’s manual for proper
instructions on off-season storage.
12. Check fuel line, tank, cap, and fittings frequently for cracks
or leaks. Replace if necessary.
13. Do not crank engine with spark plug removed.
14. According to the Consumer Products Safety Commission
(CPSC) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),
this product has an Average Useful Life of seven (7) years,
or 60 hours of operation. At the end of the Average Useful
Life have the machine inspected annually by an authorized
service dealer to ensure that all mechanical and safety
systems are working properly and not worn excessively.
Failure to do so can result in accidents, injuries or death.
Do not modify engine
To avoid serious injury or death, do not modify engine in any
way. Tampering with the governor setting can lead to a runaway
engine and cause it to operate at unsafe speeds. Never tamper
with factory setting of engine governor.
Notice Regarding Emissions
Engines which are certified to comply with California and federal
EPA emission regulations for SORE (Small Off Road Equipment)
are certified to operate on regular unleaded gasoline, and
may include the following emission control systems: Engine
Modification (EM), Oxidizing Catalyst (OC), Secondary Air
Injection (SAI) and Three Way Catalyst (TWC) if so equipped.
Spark Arrestor
WARNING! This machine is equipped with an
internal combustion engine and should not be used
on or near any unimproved forest-covered, brush
covered or grass-covered land unless the engine’s
exhaust system is equipped with a spark arrester
meeting applicable local or state laws (if any).
If a spark arrestor is used, it should be maintained in effective
working order by the operator.
A spark arrestor for the muffler is available through your nearest
engine authorized service dealer.
5Section 2 — impo rtant Safe operation practiceS
Safety Symbols
This page depicts and describes safety symbols that may appear on this product. Read, understand, and follow all instructions on the
machine before attempting to assemble and operate.
Symbol Description
READ THE OPERATOR’S MANUAL(S)
Read, understand, and follow all instructions in the manual(s) before attempting to
assemble and operate
WARNING— ROTATING BLADES
Keep hands out of inlet and discharge openings while machine is running. There are rotating
blades inside
WARNING— ROTATING BLADES
Keep hands out of inlet and discharge openings while machine is running. There are rotating
blades inside
WARNING— ROTATING AUGER
Do not put hands or feet near rotating parts, in the auger/impeller housing or chute
assembly. Contact with the rotating parts can amputate hands and feet.
WARNING—THROWN OBJECTS
This machine may pick up and throw and objects which can cause serious personal injury.
WARNING—GASOLINE IS FLAMMABLE
Allow the engine to cool at least two minutes before refueling.
WARNING— CARBON MONOXIDE
Never run an engine indoors or in a poorly ventilated area. Engine exhaust contains carbon
monoxide, an odorless and deadly gas.
WARNING— ELECTRICAL SHOCK
Do not use the engine’s electric starter in the rain
WARNING— HOT SURFACE
Engine parts, especially the muffler, become extremely hot during operation. Allow engine
and muffler to cool before touching.
WARNING! Your Responsibility—Restrict the use of this power machine to persons who read, understand and
follow the warnings and instructions in this manual and on the machine.
6 Section 2 — impo rtant Safe operation practiceS
SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS!
Assembly & Set-Up
Wing Knob
Wing Knob
Carriage Bolts
Channel
Tab
Contents of Carton
• One Snow Thrower • One 20 oz. Bottle 5W-30 Oil • Two Ignition Keys
• One Chute Assembly • One Snow Thrower Operator’s Manual • One Engine Operator’s Manual
NOTE: This Operator’s Manual covers several models. Snow
thrower features may vary by model. Not all features in this
manual are applicable to all snow thrower models and the snow
thrower depicted may differ from yours.
NOTE: All references to the left or right side of the snow thrower
are from the operator’s position. Any exceptions will be noted.
Assembly
Positioning the Upper Handle
1. Remove the wing knob and carriage bolt from the top of
the lower handle. See Fig. 3-1. It is not necessary to remove
the shoulder screw and flange lock nut below the wing
knob and carriage bolt.
3
Figure 3-1
2. Pivot the upper handle into the operating position. Be sure
not to pinch any of the cables in the process. See Fig. 3-2.
3. Tighten the previously removed hardware to secure the
handle in place. See. Fig. 3-2.
Figure 3-2
Installing the Chute
1. Place the chute handle on the lower chute as shown in Fig.
3-3. Be certain that the handle is aligned in the channel on
the chute and the tabs snap into place.
Figure 3-3
7
2. Remove the hex washer screws in the chute base. See Fig. 3-4.
B
A
Eye Bolt
Handle
Knob
Recoil Starter
Handle
Figure 3-4
3. Align the holes in the chute base with the holes in the
lower chute and secure with the previously removed hex
washer screws. See Fig. 3-5.
Installing the Recoil Starter Handle
On some models it may be necessary to install the recoil starter
handle. If your handle is not pre-installed follow the directions
below to install it.
1. Remove the eye bolt and handle knob from the manual
bag.
2. Place the eye bolt and handle knob on the upper handle as
shown in Fig. 3-6. Do not fully tighten the hardware until
instructed to do so.
NOTE: The opening of the eye bolt should face toward the
back of the snow thrower.
3. Slowly pull the recoil starter handle up towards the eye
bolt.
4. Slip the recoil starter rope into the eye bolt from the back
of the snow thrower. See Fig. 3-6.
5. Securely tighten the eye bolt and handle knob.
Figure 3-5
8 Section 3— ASSe mbly & Set-Up
Figure 3-6
Set-Up
Adding Fuel & Oil
Refer to the Engine Operator’s Manual packed with your snow
thrower for information on adding fuel and oil.
Controls & Features
Chute Assembly
Shave Plate
Auger
Control Handle
Auger Control
Recoil Starter Handle
4
Figure 4-1
NOTE: This Operator’s Manual covers several models. Snow
thrower features may vary by model. Not all features in this
manual are applicable to all snow thrower models and the snow
thrower depicted may differ from yours.
Engine Controls
See the Engine Operator’s Manual for the location and function
of the controls on the engine.
Auger
When engaged, the auger rotation draws snow into the auger
housing and throws it out the discharge chute. Rubber paddles
on the auger also aid in propelling the snow thrower as they
come in contact with the pavement.
Auger Control
Located on the upper handle, the auger control is used to
engage and disengage drive to the auger. Squeeze the control
against the upper handle to engage the auger; release it to
disengage.
Chute Assembly
Rotate the discharge chute to the left or right using the chute
handle. The pitch of the discharge chute controls the angle at
which the snow is thrown. Loosen the wing knob on the side of
the discharge chute before pivoting the discharge chute upward
or downward. Retighten the knob once the desired position has
been achieved.
Shave Plate
The shave plate maintains contact with the pavement as
the snow thrower is propelled, allowing snow close to the
pavement’s surface to be discharged.
Recoil Starter Handle
The recoil starter handle is used to manually start the engine.
9
Operation
Auger
Control
Handle
Chute Handle
Chute
Assembly
Wing Nut
5
NOTE: Refer to the Engine Operator’s Manual for instruction on
starting, stopping and operating the engine.
Engaging the Auger
1. To engage the auger and start throwing snow, squeeze the
auger control against the handle. Release to stop the auger.
See Fig. 5-1.
Figure 5-1
Engaging the Drive
Lift up slightly on the handle to allow the rubber paddles on the
auger to contact the pavement and propel the snow thrower
forward. Pushing downward on the handle will raise the auger
off the ground and stop the forward motion.
NOTE: Excessive upward pressure on the handle will result
in premature wear on the rubber auger blades which will
not be covered by the warranty.
Chute Assembly
The pitch of the chute assembly controls the angle at which the
snow is thrown.
Figure 5-2
1. Loosen the wing knob found on the left side of the chute
assembly and pivot the upper chute upward or downward
to the desired pitch. Retighten the wing knob before
operating the snow thrower.
2. Position the chute assembly opening by using the chute
handle to throw the snow in the desired direction. See Fig.
3-3.
10
Clearing a Clogged Discharge Chute
WARNING! Never use your hands to clear a
clogged chute assembly. Shut off engine and remain
behind handles until all moving parts have stopped
before using a clean-out tool to clear the chute
assembly.
Hand contact with the rotating impeller inside the discharge
chute is the most common cause of injury associated with snow
throwers. Never use your hand to clean out the discharge chute.
To clear the chute:
1. SHUT THE ENGINE OFF!
2. Wait 10 seconds to be sure the impeller blades have
stopped rotating.
3. Always use a clean-out tool, not your hands.
Maintenance & Adjustments
Reversible Shave Plate
Side View
Carriage Screw
Flange Lock Nut
Auger Control Handle
Control Cable
6
Adjustments
WARNING! Before servicing, repairing or
inspecting the snow thrower, disengage the auger
control. Stop the engine and remove the key to
prevent unintended starting.
Shave Plate
To check the adjustment of the shave plate, place the machine
on a level surface. The wheels, shave plate and auger should all
contact the level surface. Note that if the shave plate is adjusted
too high, snow may blow under the housing. If the shave plate
wears out excessively, or the snow thrower does not self-propel,
the shave plate may be too low and needs to be adjusted.
NOTE: On new snow throwers or machines with a new shave
plate installed, the auger may be slightly off the ground.
To adjust the shave plate proceed as follows:
1. Drain the gas from the snow thrower by running the
engine until it is empty.
2. Pull the recoil starter handle until resistance is felt. Then tip
the snow thrower back until it rests on the handles.
3. Loosen the four flange lock nuts and carriage bolts which
secure the shave plate to the housing. See Fig. 6-1. Move
the shave plate to the desired position and retighten the
nuts and bolts securely.
CAUTION: Oil may come out of the spark plug
hole when it is removed and the starter handle is
pulled.
6. Inspect the spark plug. If it is wet, clean off any oil before
re-installing.
Control Cable
As a result of both the control cable and the auger drive belt
stretching due to wear, periodic adjustments may be necessary.
If the auger seems to hesitate when rotating, proceed as follows:
The upper hole in the control handle provides for an adjustment
in cable tension. To adjust, disconnect the end of control cable
from the bottom hole in the control handle and reinsert it in the
upper hole. Insert the cable from the outside as shown in Fig. 6-2.
4. Tip the snow thrower back to the operating position and pull
the starter handle a few times to see if it is difficult to pull.
5. If the starter is difficult to pull, remove the spark plug and
pull the handle several times to ensure that any oil trapped
in the head is removed.
11
Figure 6-1
Figure 6-2
Test the snow thrower to see if there is a noticeable difference. If after
the adjustment to the control cable the auger still hesitates when
rotating, see the Service section for instructions on replacing the belt.
Chute Assembly
Refer to the Operation section for instructions on adjusting the
chute assembly.
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